Aussies welcome India's DRS about-face

Australia's Usman Khawaja (L), David Warner (2nd L), Steve Smith (2nd R) and Peter Handscomb (R) celebrate after the dismissal of Pakistan batsman Sarfraz Ahmed during the third day of the third cricket Test match at the SCG in Sydney on January 5, 2017. / AFP / WILLIAM WEST / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE-- (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

Matthew Wade has welcomed India's about-face on the Decision Review System (DRS), saying it will offer much-needed reassurance in the upcoming Test series.

India's stubborn resistance to DRS, which has never been used in a Border-Gavaskar Trophy contest, is seemingly over.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) trialled the system during England's recent tour. It also featured in the one-off Test between India and Bangladesh that finished on Monday.

The BCCI is yet to make an announcement, but it is understood DRS will also used in the four-Test series between Australia and India that starts in Pune on Thursday.

"It's great to have it, it's reassuring," Wade said.

"It makes a big difference, not only when you're bowling but with the bat as well.

"It probably won't be there when I bat but it's nice to have it around."

The system gives both sides two referrals per 80 overs of a Test, allowing them a chance to overturn on-field decisions with the help of the third umpire and certain pieces of technology.

It was intended to remove umpiring howlers but has taken on a tactical life of its own. Some players also feel it has changed the way umpires operate, supposedly empowering them to raise the finger more often.

Regardless, it has clearly resulted in fewer umpiring errors.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) analyses every decision in international cricket. This year they judged 94 per cent to be correct; the number rises to an impressive 98.5 if DRS is included.

Wade noted India, with its heaving crowds, sapping heat and spin-friendly pitches, was a particularly hard place to officiate.

"There's so much that goes on around the bat, it's a tough job umpiring in these conditions," the wicketkeeper said.

"There's always a lot of bat-pads and a lot of appealing going on."

DRS was first trialled in a Test between India and Sri Lanka in 2008. It made a terrible first impression and the BCCI blacklisted it because of concerns about the accuracy of technology. Former skipper MS Dhoni was a staunch - and vocal - critic of the system.

The ICC has actively encouraged the BCCI to soften its stance in recent years.

"We have already stated our ambition for a clear and consistent approach to DRS," ICC chief executive David Richardson wrote in a recent column on his organisation's website.

Virat Kohli featured in some good, bad and ugly DRS moments during the recent Test in Hyderabad.

Kohli brought up his double-hundred after successfully overturning an lbw dismissal, while Bangladesh laughably reviewed an lbw shout in the same innings after the ball hit the middle of the superstar's bat.

The match ended bizarrely when on-field officials asked the third umpire to check a bump ball. Replays, shown on the scoreboard, confirmed it was not out but India's skipper then successfully reviewed an lbw shout.